Chateau de Talhouet

COMPLETE WITH ITS OWN PRETTY CHAPEL, Château de Talhouët sits snugly within 20 acres of peaceful grounds, far from the hurly-burly. Minutes away from medieval Rochefort-en Terre, this 16th century Breton manor house with its cornflower-blue painted windows is set at the end of a wooded drive.

Château de Talhouët's gardens, a sea of blue hydrangeas in summer - stretch into the Morbihan heathland, while pots of flowers and a pointed-hat roof give it a picture-book feel. Fountains play and sun loungers dot the lawns on sunny days. It‘s definitely a place to slow down and stretch out just make sure you don‘t trip over the resident canines, who may be snoozing on the front step as you arrive.

The château has been beautifully refurbished, while retaining the look of centuries past. You'll love the huge fireplaces, high beamed ceilings and striking original features of this former aristocratic home, whose ultra-comfortable rooms have been tastefully refurbished. Be sure to check out the awesomely proportioned Grand Salon a courtroom in times past with its giant chandelier and sumptuously draped windows.

Renaissance fireplace

There‘s also a guest lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and hand painted oak beams, as well as a billiard room. Immaculate bedrooms are spread over two floors, some lending themselves to a side-by-side suite suited to stays en famille. All have well fitted bathrooms.

La Chambre d‘Honneur a huge room with terracotta walls and a giant Renaissance fireplace overlaid with Latin inscriptions is the showpiece. We also liked Château de Talhouët's more countrified Chambre Louis XVlll, with its beamed ceiling and 17th century fireplace. Chambre de la Jardinière is charming and more floral, while La Chambre Pastorale lives up to its name with wonderful country views and richly patterned fabrics.

There‘s a country-house atmosphere here and dinner is served nightly, with owner Jean-Pol Soulaine on hand to meet and greet guests. And nearby Rochefort-en-Terre, one of Brittany‘s prettiest towns is a delight to explore, with its narrow cobbled streets, timber-beamed houses and tiny antique shops.

© Room for Romance